Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trust is the main issue when booking a trip to a foreign country. You always have that niggling doubt at the back of your mind of being scammed. Fear not, because Nepal Hiking Team is a trusted name and a reputed local company in Nepal. We have been organizing tours and treks for foreign clients since 2009. You can check out the positive reviews that we have received from our clients on our website as well as on TripAdvisor. 

Nepal Hiking Team's focus has been on creating personalized tour and trekking experiences, keeping the needs of the client at the forefront. From amazing Himalayan treks to enriching cultural tours, we strive to offer vacationers the best holiday experience. We employ expert local guides who have excellent knowledge of local culture, flora, and fauna. They have walked the trails of Annapurna Base Camp innumerable times and are well acquainted with teahouse owners.

We offer a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable Annapurna trekking experience in Nepal.

ABC Trek is rated as a moderate trek in terms of difficulty, requiring 6–7 hours of daily walking over 10–11 days. There are many steep ascents via stone staircases en route, demanding high fitness levels. However, even without previous trekking experience and any technical climbing skills, you can do this trek and have the best experience in Annapurna.

During the Annapurna Base Camp trekking the risk of altitude sickness is very low.  It begins at 900 m and gains a max altitude of nearly 4100 m, making it a less challenging trek than many high-altitude treks in Nepal. Our 14-day Annapurna itinerary is designed carefully to allow gradual acclimatization, reducing the likelihood of suffering from AMS (acute mountain sickness).

Yes, they can. All our guides are skilled English speakers. They will help you engage with local teahouse owners and villagers on the trail.

Yes, solo trekkers are also welcome to join our Annapurna group treks. We keep our group size small (minimum of 2 and max of 10) so that our guides can manage and take care of the group members properly. A small group also ensures easy bonding and good support among team members. You will meet as strangers, but by the time your trip ends, you will have become friends and shared one of the best experiences.

If you wish to take a private trip, the itinerary can be customized as per your requirements. However, surcharges will apply for solo private trekkers.

Booking with us is an easy, hassle-free process.

Three simple steps are all it takes to book your ABC trek with the Nepal Hiking Team. 

• Go through this itinerary or email us to get your trip customized
• After deciding on an itinerary, please contact us to inquire about its availability or check the departure dates on our website.
• To book your trip and receive a confirmation from our side, send a 20% deposit and a photocopy of your passport. When you arrive in Nepal, you can pay the remaining balance.

If you have any confusion about the booking process, you can always call or send us an email.

For trip cancellation you can send us a trip cancellation request and we will initiate the process to cancel your trip. 

However, please do bear in mind that 20% of the booking deposit paid to the company will not be refunded. The cancellation fee will be paid using this amount.

If you don't want to lose the 20% deposit, we suggest you postpone your trip and plan it at a later date. Inform us in advance (at least two weeks before departure) about your change of plans and when you would prefer to start your trip, and we will make the necessary arrangements. 

We recommend you carry at least NPR 25000 for the overall Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost for your personal expenses such as hot showers, drinking water, hot water, drinks/snacks, Internet/phone calls, power charging, etc.

Please note that this is an approximate amount and can vary depending on your spending habits. If you tend to splurge more on food and drinks, you can carry more than the given amount. But if you are a frugal spender, the given amount would suffice. 

Credit cards are rarely accepted at teahouses. Thus, we strongly advise you to carry enough local currency before starting the journey. You can withdraw money from any of the ATMs using your debit or credit card. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and American Express cards are accepted at most ATMs. You can also get Nepalese rupees in exchange for your currency at the local money exchange counters.

Offering tips to the field staff (guides, porters, and drivers) shows your gratitude and appreciation for their service.. While there is no fixed tipping amount, you can offer tips as on your satisfaction with the service provided. The trekking guides and porters put in a lot of hard work to get you to the mountains and back safely, and you can show your gratitude and appreciation for their efforts by tipping them. While they get their wages from the company, it's part of an unspoken rule for the clients to tip the field staff (guides, porters, and drivers) after the completion of a trek. 

You can offer tips to your guide and porter on the last day of your trek. Any amount is appreciated. You can use US dollars or Nepali rupees, whichever works for you. It's a nice way to thank them for their help during the trek.

The Annapurna region's weather pattern is highly unpredictable. When trekking, you should be prepared for the weather conditions to shift from sunny and warm to chilly and rainy or even foggy, all in the course of a single day. Additionally, the weather conditions can vary based on the time of the year you choose to travel. 

Seasonal Weather Breakdown

One of the best seasons to embark on this trek is the spring (March-April-May) season. During the day, it gets pretty warm with the temperature hovering around 10°C to 20°C. Nights can be cold and chilly, especially at the Annapurna Base Camp area with mercury plummeting below –5°C. Spring is a beautiful season to trek as the trail will be covered with blooming rhododendron trees in lower altitudes. 

Autumn (September-October-November) is also one of the best times to visit Annapurna Base Camp. The weather remains pleasant, and the views are spectacular. There is no haze, and the skies remain crystal clear, offering unobstructed views of the mountains.

Winter (late December, January, February) offers a challenge to those who dare to combat the cold and snowy conditions to reach ABC. Trails can get icy, and the base camp gets covered with thick snow, making your hike difficult. While daytime temperatures remain manageable (approx. 5°C), the nights can be freezing with temperatures dipping to –10°C or lower. The upside is there will be fewer trekkers on the trail in winter.  

The monsoon (June-July-August) season brings a lot of rain in Nepal. You can expect incessant rainfall and muddy and slippery trails during this season. A lot of leeches also come out during this time, making  it one of the challenging treks. However, there is a different beauty and allure to a monsoon hike as the landscape turns green and vibrant. The trail and teahouses also remain free of crowds, and you can enjoy a peaceful trek. Temperatures stay between 5°C and 25°C, depending on the elevation and time of day.

The best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp is from March to May and from September to December. During this timeframe, the weather conditions of Annapurna are most favorable for trekking. Spring and autumn seasons remain a clear favorite among trekkers to get on the trails of Nepal, as these seasons offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures, which go on to boost your overall trekking experience.

While the trail is accessible year-round, trekking during the monsoon season (June to August) and winter (late December to February) is generally not recommended.

These seasons often bring heavy rainfall and snow, increasing the risk of injuries and natural disasters. The base camp area receives a lot of snowfall during winter, and avalanches are not uncommon during this time. 

Yes, barring a few countries, a visa on arrival is available for most tourists in Nepal. If you wish to shorten the waiting time, you can fill out the visa form online before arriving in Nepal. You can also apply for a visa in advance from the Nepali Embassy or consulate in your country. Your passport should have a validity of six months and blank pages (for visa stamps).  For detailed information about Nepal Visa, visit our blog section of Visa Information.

Our Nepal Hiking Team representative will pick you up from Tribhuvan International. He will be waiting for you at the airport's terminal holding a placard with the Nepal Hiking Team written on it. If you face any issues, you can contact us directly at our emergency contact number.

• 0977-98510 58678 (Ganga) or
• 0977-98510 58667 (Balaram).

Yes, you should have travel insurance to do this Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Your insurance policy should cover high-altitude trekking (over 4000 m) and emergency evacuations. It should also offer coverage for accidents, injuries, lost baggage, and hospital bills.

For reference, check our blog on travel insurance. In case you need further guidance, we are always available to provide more information.

Vaccinations are not mandatory on this trip. However, it will be safer if you get inoculated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, tetanus, rabies, cholera, measles, and other diseases depending on the season and travel plans. If you have any serious medical conditions, please inform us when you book this trip.

Yes, you can buy a SIM card once you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will find the counters of the telecom companies inside the arrival hall. You can choose either Ncell or NTC. 

Cost: SIM cards at the airport might cost USD2-3.

Payment: The SIM card shops at Tribhuvan Airport accept Nepali Rupees as well as international credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. 

Tourist SIM cards: Most SIM cards sold at the airport are tourist SIM cards with special packages. 

Outside the airport, you can purchase a SIM card from mobile network stores, convenience stores, etc.

Yes, even hikers with no prior experience can do the ABC Trek. However, you should be physically fit and have strong legs to tackle the numerous staircases en route. Some basic hiking preparations and acclimatization are also important. 

The elevation of Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 meters, which is a safe altitude for trekkers of all levels, provided they are properly acclimatized. If you are reasonably fit, have good stamina, and are determined to reach your goal, then you will be able to complete your trek even if you have no trekking experience. You should also be ready to listen to your guide's advice if you want to get to the base camp safely. 

Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is perfectly safe for solo female travelers. We have organized this trek for many solo female travelers who have shared their incredible experiences and dropped positive reviews about the service we provided. 

The trails of Annapurna are well maintained, with a teahouse at most stops. Plus, when you travel with us, you will have professional trek leaders to assist you.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is open to hikers of all ages. This is one of the few family-friendly high-altitude treks in Nepal. Trekkers of all ages, from adventurous children as young as 4–5 years to seniors in their 60s and 70s, have already completed the ABC trekking with us. Some trekkers have also walked with their toddlers (carried either by the parents or a porter) to the base camp and back. 

Whatever your age, do keep in mind your fitness level, stamina, positive outlook, and good preparation are a must to complete this trek.

In order to make your hike a success, you need to prepare and plan for it well in advance. You will be walking for 5 to 6 hours daily, and you have to train your body for those grueling ascents up the stone staircases. You can start your physical fitness training at least three months before your departure. Include intense cardio exercises like running, cycling, swimming, aerobics, etc. Walk on similar terrains or hills carrying a backpack. Climb up and down long staircases and lift weights to build your muscle strength. Eat a balanced meal and practice deep breathing (pranayama) to power your lungs. 

You should invest in a good pair of hiking boots that is comfortable as well as sturdy. You can go over our detailed guide on how to get fit before heading to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal in our blog section.

Altitude sickness is one of the greatest risks of high-altitude trekking. To protect oneself from altitude sickness during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, one should gain elevation slowly, stopping at intervals for acclimatization. It is important to eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes during the trek. If you show symptoms, you should immediately start taking Diamox (high-altitude medication). Having garlic soup and ginger-lemon-honey tea frequently also helps. 

This Annapurna Base Camp itinerary is carefully designed, keeping your safety in mind. The itinerary includes gradual ascents and acclimatization days to allow your body to adjust to higher altitudes. 

Additionally, our local guides are well-trained and can recognize symptoms of altitude sickness. They are equipped to respond promptly and carry a first aid kit and an oximeter to monitor your health conditions.

In case a trekker falls sick on the trail, the group will continue with the trek while an assistant guide or trekking staff will assist the unwell client in descending to a lower elevation and call for an air ambulance if necessary.

Depending on the terrain and elevation, you will be covering 2–4 kilometers per hour. Each day you will walk for 5–7 hours, with your trekking guide ensuring a steady and manageable pace. We recommend walking at a slow pace to ensure acclimatization. Do remember, even if you can walk fast and cover long distances, it's advisable to keep a slow and steady pace while trekking in the mountains to lessen the risk of altitude sickness.

By deciding to go on this trek, you are taking a step towards overcoming your fear. Our guide will be there with you at every step to guide you and reassure you. If you feel too fearful and nervous about crossing the suspension bridge, our guide will hold your hand and guide you slowly and safely to the other end. Compared to the EBC trek, the ABC trek has fewer suspension bridges en route. The longest bridge you will cross is the one near Jhinu Danda, which is listed as the longest and highest on the ABC trail.

All the suspension bridges on the route are sturdy and made of strong metal. There are railings on both sides for extra support and safety. 

No, the trek won't get canceled if anyone falls sick on the trail. The sick member will be tended to by the assistant guide and taken to a lower altitude. If needed, the unwell member will be evacuated by air and taken to a medical facility in the city to recover. The trek will continue with the rest of the group following the itinerary as planned. 

Yes, if you show symptoms of altitude sickness, then you should definitely take it. A typical dose is 250 mg once daily. However, consult your doctor before taking Diamox or any medication, especially if you have health issues. 

If you don't want to take any medication, try to acclimatize properly by walking slowly and drinking water at regular intervals. 

We employ only licensed guides who have completed the trekking guide course run by a government-recognized institution, NATHM—National Academy for Tourism and Hotel Management. All our guides have received training in first-aid procedures and wilderness survival. 

Our guides are locals who often belong to the same community living in the hills of the Annapurna. They have years of experience in guiding clients and share good relations with the teahouse owners. 

Your packing list should include all the essential gear and equipment you will need for the trip.  The days can be sunny and warm at the lower elevations. So include shorts and T-shirts that are airy and absorb moisture. For the cold temperatures at higher altitudes, carry warm clothing for both upper and lower body, like a down jacket, fleece jackets, warm thermals, gloves, a balaclava, and a fur or woolen cap. You should also include waterproof layers and covers for your bags. 

Hiking boots that are light, waterproof, and have good support will make your walk comfortable. While teahouses offer beds with pillows and blankets, carrying a light sleeping bag will ease your concerns about hygiene while sleeping on the bed. Having trekking poles for added support will aid you while making the steep ascents and descents on the staircases. 

You should also refrain from buying bottled water and use reusable water bottles with water purification tablets instead. The UV rays are pretty harmful on the mountains, so have a tube of sunscreen cream and sunglasses with you always. Also, first aid kits are essential. If you are taking medication, carry a stash of those, enough to last you for the entire trip. Don't forget your favorite snacks, lip balm, extra memory cards for your camera, a headlamp, a microfiber towel, and basic toiletries like wet wipes and soap. 

You can adjust your trekking gear based on the season and personal needs.

Where to buy trekking items: Kathmandu's Thamel is a popular hub to shop for trekking and mountaineering gear and equipment. This popular spot is lined with numerous shops selling or renting out branded as well as locally made trekking gear. You can ask your trekking guide for recommendations on where you will get the best deals and products. In Pokhara the Lakeside area have a lot of shops selling trekking gear. 

What you can buy: Sleeping bags, duffel bags, backpacks, down jackets, trekking poles, water bottles, sunglasses, hiking boots, microspikes, and many more items are available at these stores.

You can shop for branded gear like Mountain Hardwear, Mammut, and North Face or opt for cheap but durable knock-offs. Renting gear is more convenient and cost-effective for trekkers who wish to travel light and refrain from lugging heavy luggage across airports.

No, we do not carry oxygen cylinders or chamber bags while trekking. But if you want, we can arrange them at an extra cost.

Oxygen Cylinder: USD180

Chamber Bag: USD250

Basically, you won't feel that oxygen-deprived during this trek, as most of the time you will be trekking at elevations below 4000 meters. The highest sleeping point is the Annapurna Base Camp, standing at an elevation of 4130 meters. You may experience a bit of discomfort sleeping at the base camp, but you will soon get over it once you descend and walk to a lower elevation. 

The items that we provide include a duffel bag (70L), sleeping bag, and down jacket. These have to be returned after the completion of the trek. We also offer some complimentary items like a cap, a T-shirt, an Annapurna Base Camp Trail map, and an ABC trip completion certificate. 

A porter is tasked with the job of carrying the luggage of two clients. The maximum weight he can carry is 25 kg. So, make sure that your duffel bag doesn't weigh more than 12-13 kilograms. 

You will stay at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu as well as Pokhara. In Kathmandu, your accommodation will be booked at the Woodapple Hotel and Spa, while in Pokhara you will stay at a clean and comfortable 3-star hotel by the Lakeside. 

Yes, you can leave your personal stuff, which you won't be needing during the trek, at your hotel in Kathmandu. This service is free, and the hotel doesn't charge any money for this service. The hotel will store your luggage in the storage facility, which is quite safe. However, make sure to lock your bag or suitcase if you are leaving valuable stuff for extra precaution. 

Pack Light : Keep your daypack light. Only take what is essential for the trek. Unnecessary items only add extra weight  and slow you down on the trail.

In the cities, you have a range of options—from 5-star hotels to low-budget hostels. For this trip, your stay will be booked at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. While on the trail, you will be staying at teahouses. 

Teahouses are mostly run by local families and are an extension of a large family home. Teahouses offer food and simple rooms to stay. The rooms are quite basic with just a bed or two beds with or without a bedside table. The beds have mattresses, pillows, bed sheets, and blankets or quilts. Some of the modern teahouses at lower elevations (Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chuile) offer rooms with attached bathrooms. At other locations, you will have to share the washrooms with other trekkers. The teahouses on the ABC route have large communal dining areas heated by a wooden stove, where most trekkers staying overnight gather in the evening to relax and have food.

The teahouses offer twin-sharing rooms, but between Chhomrong and Annapurna Base Camp, during peak season, 3-4 people have to share a room due to limited availability. For detailed information, you can check out our ultimate guide about accommodation around Annapurna Base Camp.

Yes, you can. Please remember if you decide to extend your stay after arriving in Nepal, you may or may not get the same room at your hotel. You may have to change rooms, or we will book your stay at another hotel of a similar standard. 

Yes, an upgrade is possible. If you want to stay at a specific luxury hotel, just let us know, and we will try to book a room for you at that property, or we will choose the best premium hotel for your stay. 

Yes, for solo travelers on a private trip, we can arrange a single room in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. You also will not have to share a room while trekking. However, there are very few teahouses at Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, Machhapure Base Camp (MBC), and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and you may have to share a room with 3-4 people while spending a night at these places, especially during the peak seasons when there are too many trekkers on the trail.

Yes, teahouses in the Annapurna Base Camp area do have bathroom and shower facilities. But the quality varies depending on the condition of the teahouse. Some of the new teahouses have Western-style toilets, while older teahouses still have squat toilets (Asian-style toilets) and bucket showers (a bucket of water and a mug is provided to clean yourself). Moreover, these toilet facilities are located mainly outside the main building and shared among trekkers. Private bathrooms are available in some of the newly built lodges but are more expensive.

Hot showers at tea houses are available at extra costs. In order to take a hot shower, you need to talk to the teahouse owner beforehand so that he can heat the water. Cold showers are available free of cost. 

As you reach higher elevations, you may get only a bucket shower (no shower heads or running water). You should be cautious about taking showers at higher elevations, as you may catch a cold or get sick. If you wash your hair, you won't be able to dry it immediately as there are no hairdryers available at teahouses. Even if you carry one with you, you won't find any power outlets where you can plug in. Our advice is to refrain from showering at high altitudes. Leaving your hair wet for an extended period will only expose you to the cold air and make you fall sick.

No, you cannot buy single-use plastic bottles of mineral water on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal. To minimize trash and protect the fragile mountain environment, plastics, including single-use plastic mineral water bottles, are banned once you enter the protected Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) or Annapurna Sanctuary. Teahouses around ABC are not allowed to sell single-use plastic bottles. 

To carry your drinking water, you can use reusable water bottles with a filtration system or water purification tablets to make the water safe for drinking. There are numerous natural spring taps en route, from where you can fill your water bottle. 

While the water from rivers and springs is generally pure and free from pollutants, it may contain bacteria and parasites. So we urge you not to drink water directly from a natural source. Always fill your water bottle and filter it with a SteriPen or water purification tablets. Our trekking guide carries a stash of water purification pills, so you may ask him if you don't have anything to purify your drinking water. 

There are many restaurants and eateries in Kathmandu and Pokhara that serve popular cuisines from all over the world—continental, Chinese, Italian, Turkish, Korean, traditional Nepalese, Japanese, middle-eastern (halal), and many more. 

The hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer complimentary breakfast. You can choose from a wide variety of breakfast items like muesli, porridge, toast, sausages, hash browns, etc. For lunch and dinner, you will have to make your arrangements. There are several good restaurants and dining places in Thamel and the lakeside area in Pokhara serving a wide range of food from all over the world. 

The ABC  package comes with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on the trail. Menus offer momo, dal-bhaat (rice, curry, and lentil soup), pizza, noodles, pasta, macaroni, spaghetti, potatoes, fried rice, pancakes, sherpa stew, apple pie, porridge, oatmeal, chapati (flat bread), Tibetan bread, and vegetable soups. The traditional platter of daal-bhaat is the most filling option with unlimited refills.

While on the trail, it is best to avoid meat, as tea houses often use meat that are several days old and has been brought from the lower elevations. The meat is not as fresh as it should be.

Yes, it's possible to have vegan and gluten-free meals on the trail.

At the Guesthouses, items like green vegetables (mustard greens, spinach), potatoes, and other plant-based dishes are always on the menu.

Gluten-free meals are also available on the trail. Your guide will make sure that your meal is gluten-free by checking on the cook. He may also assist the cook in preparing your gluten-free meal if needed.

Having a stash of your favorite snacks like chocolates, energy bars, candies, etc., will also provide some much-needed energy on the trail. 

No, we do not handle international flight bookings. You will have to book your international flight tickets by yourself.

Yes, we do provide complimentary airport pickup and drop-off services. Upon your arrival, our airport representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After your trip is over, you will be driven to the airport at least three hours before your departure.

Yes, it can be arranged. Send us your arrival details in advance, and someone from our team will be there at the Tribhuvan International Airport to pick you up and drive you to your hotel.

Yes, a flight can be arranged in case you want to skip the long ride. Most airline operators charge around USD 90 for a one-way flight ticket. The price depends on the airline, booking time, and season. A flight is time-saving, and you will reach your destination much faster. The total time taken to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu (and vice versa) is only 25 minutes. If you make the journey by road, it will take close to 7-8 hours to reach your destination.

Yes, electricity is available on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. However, the charging ports are only available in the common area. Teahouses charge an additional fee to charge your devices.

While some of the newer teahouses at lower altitudes may have charging ports inside the bedroom and offer free charging, higher altitude teahouses don't have this facility and levy an additional charge for charging any electronic devices. The fee levied for charging is per device and per hour. The charging fee increases as you ascend to higher elevations during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

During peak season, when there are too many people on the trail, teahouses are filled to the brim, and it gets difficult to find an empty plug point to charge your device as all the guests will want to do the same. This happens especially at high altitudes.

Tip that you may find useful:

Carry power banks and batteries.

Turn on the airplane mode on your mobile to save battery. Turn off unused apps and use your gadgets sparingly to extend their battery life.

Electronics stop working when it gets very cold at higher elevations. Therefore, always keep your phone and batteries in a warm place, either inside your down jacket or sleeping bag.

Ask your guide about the availability of charging facilities at the specific tea houses or lodges you plan to stay at.

You will find three plug types—C, D, and M (two or three round pins)—while traveling across Nepal. The standard supply voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz. Carry a universal travel adapter for compatibility.

As you will be walking across mountainous terrain, internet connection will be erratic and sketchy. Of course there's Wi-Fi available during the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, but it will be slow and irregular. Teahouses charge extra for using the wi-fi, and oftentimes the internet connection will only be limited to the common or dining area. You can also use mobile data, but the connectivity will be patchy. In the Annapurna Region, an NTC SIM works much better than Ncell.

Internet access on the ABC trek:

Limited Wi-Fi: Teahouses and lodges offer Wi-Fi for an added fee, but the connection can be slow and unstable.

Mobile data: You can also get internet data on your local SIM. At some locations, it may work fine, but you may lose the signal as you venture deep into the mountains.
Altitude impact: Signal strength tends to decrease at higher altitudes.

Keep your family or loved ones informed: If you are moving to a place where there is limited connectivity, let your family know beforehand. Carrying a satellite phone for emergencies can be useful.

While in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi access at the hotels you will be staying at.

Yes, tea houses on the Annapurna Base Camp trek have access to electricity or solar power.

Electricity access: Most tea houses on the trail provide electricity, often powered by solar energy.

Charging cost: During the Annapurna Base Camp trek, some places may offer free charging; while at higher elevations you might need to pay a fee.

Adapters: Bring a universal adapter as the plug type may vary.

Power bank: It's a good idea to carry a portable power bank to ensure your devices stay charged, especially in remote areas.

Many tourists are on a one-time visit to Nepal. Combining the Ghorepani Poon Hill hike with the Annapurna Base Camp trek offers them an opportunity to experience two of the most popular treks in the Annapurna Region in one go. This trek is also great for those who are looking for a less risky high-altitude trek.

One can experience diverse landscapes, including rice-terraced fields, dense forests, and high mountain scenery. In addition, this trek also offers an immersive cultural experience, as it takes you past the Gurung and Magar villages and settlements of various local communities. This high-altitude adventure will also challenge you and push your limits.

What to expect? Panoramic Himalayan sunrises, trek through one of the largest rhododendron forests in the world, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local communities.

Yes, there is. With Nepal Hiking Team’s  9-day ABC Heli Return trip, you can trek for six days to reach the base camp of Annapurna at the highest point of 4130 m, stay overnight at the base camp, and return to Pokhara by helicopter the next day. This 9-day Heli Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you to the foothills of Annapurna Massif and is the best way to combine both trekking and a helicopter tour.

While flying you may take in some breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna's Maasif, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the pretty hillside villages.

The duration and trekking schedule are the primary differences between the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the 14-day ABC Hike.

The Short ABC Trek takes only eleven days to complete. The package is timesaving as it includes a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, You can immediately begin your journey to the trailhead after landing in Pokhara. You won't have to stay overnight in Pokhara.

In contrast, the 13-day trek includes an overland journey to and from Pokhara-Kathmandu. The itinerary has two extra nights in Pokhara before and after the trek and an additional day on the trail.

The main difference between the Instant ABC and 14-day Annapurna packages lies in the itinerary, route, and mode of transportation.

The Instant ABC Package is a much shorter trekking adventure, lasting for only eight days, including five days of trekking. But the 14-day package includes eight days of trekking and two days of driving through Pokhara and Kathmandu.

The Instant ABC trek  transports you to Pokhara from Kathmandu by flight . It is followed by a drive to Jhinu Danda and then a hike to Sinuwa all in the course of a a single day. However, the 14-day ABC package includes a 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

The 8-day ABC Trek, also features a shorter return journey as you fly straight from Pokhara to Kathmandu without staying overnight in Pokhara. In contrast, the 14-day package includes an overnight stay in Pokhara after returning from the trail. An overland transfer by a tourist bus will bring you back to Kathmandu.

Annapurna Base Camp Nepal Trek (8-14 days) route is much shorter and straightforward than the Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads you to the Annapurna Sanctuary and offers fantastic views of the snow-capped mountains. 

The Annapurna Circuit trek is a much longer trek that takes around 14-18 days to complete. The route circles the Annapurna mountain range and goes over one of the highest Himalayan mountain passes, the Thorong La Pass. The Circuit is somewhat more diverse than the ABC trek  Nepal and is filled with amazing high-altitude scenery.

Yes, we can arrange guided day tours. If you wish, you can add a guided tour to your itinerary before or after your trek. The guided tours let you discover some of the historical and cultural gems of the Kathmandu Valley. 

ABC as well as Everest Base Camp Treks offer unique and amazing experiences. If you want to hike on a less difficult trail with less risk of high-altitude sickness, then the ABC trek will be a good option. Nepal Trek Annapurna also offers a typical Nepalese countryside trekking experience with terraced fields, hillside villages, and farms. If you seek a challenging option then you should choose the EBC Trek. The chief highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek is that it takes you close to the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest. It is a challenging trek with drastic elevation gains. You will be walking at elevations above 5000 meters, crossing glaciers in a cold, high-altitude desert environment.

It depends on the vacancy. Sometimes the hotel rooms are all booked, and we can't accommodate you at the same hotel, especially during peak seasons when there is high demand for accommodation. However, we make sure that your accommodation is booked at a similar hotel. 

Yes, you can adjust your itinerary according to your interests, preferences, and schedule. Whether you wish to add more detours, make the itinerary shorter, or extend your stay in Pokhara or Kathmandu, we are here to help you make this your personal holiday.

Reminder: Treks that are customized  are considered private treks.

Yes, you can do the Mardi Himal Trek with the Poon Hill Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can change your itinerary to fit your requirements. If you need help charting out your personal itinerary, please feel free to contact us for assistance. Our travel consultant will help you in the best way possible.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal starts from Kathmandu with a drive to Pokhara and Birethanti. The actual trekking begins from Birethanti with a hike to Ulleri. From there, you will ascend to Ghorepani and hike to the famous viewpoint Poonhill before descending to Chuile. In the following days, you will walk past the Gurung settlements of Chhomrong and Sinuwa.

As you move higher, you will reach the isolated stops of Dovan, Bamboo, and Deurali, lying deep in a lush forest. Later you will make a steep ascent to MBC and ABC and descend via Jhinu Dhanda, the only stop on the ABC trekking trails with a hot spring. From there you will take a jeep bound for Pokhara and return to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. The ABC trek ends once you return to Kathmandu. 

The highest elevation you will reach during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). This is the elevation of the base camp where you sleep for one night. 

Altitude is an important factor to consider while trekking in the mountains. The air gets thinner as you walk to higher altitudes. The oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases as you gain height and walk above 2500 meters. Some of the health issues you will face at high altitude include headache, breathlessness, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, etc. One has to be really careful about AMS, or altitude sickness, as it can be life-threatening if not treated on time.

The area that lies within the Annapurna Mountain range in north-central Nepal is referred to as the Annapurna Region. 

The region is bordered by the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the west, the Marshyangdi River to the north and east, and the Pokhara Valley to the south. The location of the ABC trail lies within the Myagdi and Kaski districts in the Gandaki province. 

Some of the greatest mountains in the Annapurna Region include the Annapurna I, the highest peak in the Annapurna massif at 8,091 meters (26,545 ft); Annapurna II, soaring to a height of 7,937 meters (26,040 ft); Annapurna III (7,555 m / 24,786 ft); and Annapurna IV (7,525 m / 24,688 ft). Pokhara is the starting point for Annapurna trek.

Climbing Annapurna

The route to Annapurna is very technical, which makes it a dangerous mountain to climb. It is more difficult and challenging than Mount Everest. It has one of the highest fatality rates, and several climbers have lost their lives trying to conquer this Himalayan giant. The mountain has a steep icy path, and factors like unpredictable weather, avalanches, and high winds make the climb difficult. 

Mount Annapurna I is considered special because it was the first 8,000-meter peak to be successfully summited by a mountaineering team. Though smaller than Mount Everest, Annapurna I is regarded as a tougher mountain to scale. With its steep slopes, exposed routes, and frequent avalanches, Annapurna I is one of the most challenging mountains in the world to conquer.

Historical Significance of Annapurna I: A French expedition in 1950 reached the summit of Annapurna I, making it the first ascent of an 8000-meter peak in human history.

High Risks: Many climbers have lost their lives trying to scale this mountain; thus, it is regarded as one of the deadliest mountains in the world. 

Cultural Importance: Locals consider the Annapurna mountain range as their guardian deities. The mountains are sacred to the Gurungs and are worshipped by them. Climbing is banned on Fishtail Peak or Machhapuchhre due to this reason. 

Natural Beauty: Nepal's Annapurna Region is one of the most beautiful trekking regions in the world. A journey through this region will let you experience stunning views of snow-capped mountains, idyllic rural landscapes filled with terraced fields and quaint villages, and pristine nature. 

Annapurna Conservation Area: The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) protects the vibrant ecosystem of this region. 

You will be sharing the hot pool with other trekkers. So yes, it is mandatory to put on a swimming suit at the Jhinu Danda Hot Spring. Visitors are expected to clean themselves properly and wear proper swimwear before bathing in the hot spring pool.

You need two trekking permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit 

2. Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. 

Both permits are mandatory and will be checked at various points along the route.

This package includes all the permits required for this trek. For a hassle-free experience, we will arrange all the necessary permits for your ABC Nepal trip, along with other government taxes.

To enjoy the panoramic sunrise view from Poon Hill, you should start hiking from Ghorepani at least an hour before sunrise. During spring and summer, the sun rises early, at around 5:30 AM. So you can start your hike around 4 AM or 4:30 AM. Starting at this hour will give you enough time to reach the top of the Poon Hill viewpoint before sunrise. During winter the sun rises at around 6:30 AM, so you can schedule your sunrise hike accordingly during winter. 

Be sure to dress warmly, as early mornings can be cold, and bring a flashlight to find your way in the dark. 

The staircase at Ulleri has approximately 3300 steps.

The Annapurna Base Camp lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a storehouse of a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan pheasants, clouded leopards, Himalayan tahrs, and Himalayan giant honeybees. 

While walking on the ABC, one can spot colorful Himalayan birds like the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, White-throated Kingfisher, Brahminy Myna, and Himalayan Vulture.

Gray-faced langurs can be seen lounging around the trees while walking through the dense forests. You can also spot red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, pika, and clouded leopards as you head higher. Sightings of snow leopards and Himalayan black bears are rare, but if you are lucky, you can get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.